Oh my goodness, friends – let me tell you about the most dangerously delicious thing I’ve made this month! These Peanut Butter Donuts are my newest obsession, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll totally get why. Picture this: fluffy yeast donuts stuffed with silky peanut butter cheesecake filling, drizzled with melted peanut butter, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. The best part? No oven required! I whipped these up last Sunday when my sweet tooth hit hard, and wow – they disappeared faster than I could say “seconds please.” Perfect for when you need an impressive dessert without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Donuts
Listen, I know I’m biased, but these donuts are seriously magical. Here’s why they’ll become your new go-to treat:
- No baking required – Just mix, fill, and devour! Perfect for hot summer days when turning on the oven sounds awful.
- That peanut butter cheesecake filling – It’s like biting into a cloud of sweet, nutty perfection. So fluffy you’ll want to eat it with a spoon!
- Ready in under 30 minutes – Faster than running to the bakery when cravings strike.
- Endless customization – Crushed peanuts, chocolate drizzle, sprinkles… make them your own!
- Crowd-pleaser guaranteed – I’ve never met anyone who could resist these. Even my “I don’t like sweets” uncle asked for seconds.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Donuts
Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have most in your pantry already! The magic happens when they all come together:
- 6 yeast-raised donuts – Store-bought works great, but homemade takes these to another level
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened – Leave it out for 30 minutes – no lumps means smoother filling
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – Use the regular kind, not natural – it mixes better
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – Sift it if yours is lumpy
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – The good stuff makes a difference
- 1/2 cup whipped topping – Or fresh whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy
- 1/2 cup crushed peanuts – For that perfect crunch on top
- 1/4 cup melted peanut butter – For drizzling – microwave in 15-second bursts
- Powdered sugar – Just a light dusting to finish
See? Nothing crazy – just pantry staples transformed into something extraordinary!
How to Make Peanut Butter Donuts
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! These peanut butter donuts come together so easily, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have bakery-worthy treats in no time. The secret is taking it slow with the filling – trust me, rushing this part never ends well!
Preparing the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling
First, grab your softened cream cheese – it should dent easily when you press it. Toss it into a mixing bowl with the peanut butter and beat them together until they’re completely smooth. No lumps allowed! This might take a minute or two, but it’s worth it for that velvety texture.
Now, add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Start mixing slowly unless you want a powdered sugar cloud in your kitchen (been there!). Once incorporated, crank up the speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. Here’s my favorite part: gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula. Don’t overmix – we want to keep all that airy goodness!
Assembling the Peanut Butter Donuts
Take your donuts and slice them horizontally – like you’re making little sandwiches. A serrated knife works best here. Now, pipe or spoon that glorious filling onto the bottom halves. Be generous! The filling should peek out when you put the tops back on.
Melt your peanut butter in the microwave (15-second bursts, stirring in between) until it’s pourable but not too hot. Drizzle it artfully over the tops – or go wild and cover them completely! Sprinkle with crushed peanuts or peanut butter chips for extra crunch. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar through a fine mesh strainer for that professional bakery look.
That’s it! You can serve them immediately or chill for 15 minutes if you prefer a firmer filling. Either way, prepare for compliments!
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Donuts
After making these peanut butter donuts more times than I can count (no regrets!), I’ve picked up some tricks that make all the difference:
- Room temp is key – Cold cream cheese equals lumpy filling. I leave mine out for at least 30 minutes before mixing.
- Taste as you go – Want sweeter filling? Add powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it’s just right.
- Slice donuts gently – Use a serrated knife with a sawing motion – pressing squashes those fluffy donuts!
- Chill for neat slices – If serving later, refrigerate 15 minutes; the filling firms up beautifully.
- Microwave peanut butter carefully – Heat in short bursts and stir – burned peanut butter ruins everything!
See? Little things make big differences with these treats!
Variations for Peanut Butter Donuts
Oh, the possibilities! Here are my favorite ways to mix up these peanut butter donuts when I’m feeling creative:
- Chocolate lovers – Swap the peanut butter drizzle for melted chocolate or Nutella
- Crunchy twist – Use chunky peanut butter in the filling and top with crushed pretzels
- Fruity vibes – Add strawberry jam between the layers with fresh berries on top
- Cookie magic – Roll the edges in crushed Oreos or vanilla wafer crumbs
Really, anything goes – that’s half the fun!
Serving and Storing Peanut Butter Donuts
These peanut butter donuts are best served slightly chilled – about 15 minutes in the fridge firms up that luscious filling just right. If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The filling stays perfect, though the donuts might soften a bit – still totally delicious! Pro tip: Let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving to bring out all those amazing flavors.
Nutritional Information for Peanut Butter Donuts
Let’s be real – we’re not eating donuts for their health benefits! But for those curious, here’s the scoop per donut (based on my exact recipe): about 390 calories, with 7g protein and 2g fiber to balance that 20g of sugary goodness. Remember, these are estimates – your actual counts might vary slightly depending on brands and how generously you drizzle that peanut butter! Treat yourself and enjoy every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Donuts
I get so many questions about these fluffy peanut butter treats! Here are the answers to what people ask most:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them up to 8 hours before serving and keep refrigerated. The filling actually tastes better after chilling for a bit. Just add toppings right before serving so they stay crunchy.
What if I don’t have whipped topping?
No worries! Fresh whipped cream works beautifully – just whip 1/2 cup heavy cream with 1 tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold it into the cheesecake mixture gently.
Can I use cake donuts instead of yeast?
You can, but the texture won’t be quite as light. Yeast donuts have that perfect airy structure that balances the rich filling. If using cake donuts, try toasting them lightly first for better texture.
How do I keep the donuts from getting soggy?
The trick is to assemble them no more than 4 hours before serving. The powdered sugar coating helps create a barrier too. For longer storage, keep components separate and assemble when ready to eat.
Any nut-free alternatives?
Sunflower seed butter makes a great substitute! The flavor’s different but still delicious. Top with crushed graham crackers or chocolate chips instead of peanuts.
Irresistible Peanut Butter Donuts Ready in 30 Minutes
A melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s rich, fluffy, and totally addictive!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 yeast-raised donuts (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
- 1/2 cup crushed peanuts or peanut butter chips
- 1/4 cup peanut butter, melted (for drizzling)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping to create a silky, fluffy peanut butter cheesecake mix.
- Cut & Fill the Donuts: Slice donuts in half horizontally. Spread or pipe cheesecake filling inside.
- Top It Off: Drizzle melted peanut butter generously over the top. Add crushed peanuts or peanut butter chips.
- Dust & Serve: Lightly dust with powdered sugar. Serve chilled or slightly warmed.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator if not serving immediately.
- Use homemade donuts for a fresher taste.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg